How Do Genetics Affect Your Teeth?

Posted February 7, 2017.

Did you know that there are people who don’t brush their teeth but still don’t get cavities? Other brush and floss their teeth regularly, but still find themselves fighting tooth decay. Sadly, some people are more vulnerable to cavities than others are, but did you know that you could be more vulnerable to tooth decay because of genetics?

You see, some individuals are simply more likely to have certain problems. For example, your teeth could grow in incorrectly. If this happens, you could have crowded teeth. While crowded teeth can lead to a number of problems, your teeth could also be more difficult to clean. If bad plaque and bacteria are left on your teeth, you’ll be more likely to develop a cavity.

Your genetics can also influence how hard, or how soft, your teeth are. As you may have guessed, the harder your enamel is, the more protected your teeth are. Unfortunately, if your enamel is too soft, there may not be anything you can do to address the issue. In other words, if you suffer from soft enamel, you’ll be more likely to get a cavity.

Naturally, if you enjoy sweets—which can also be associated with genetics—you’ll also be more vulnerable to cavities. If you frequently crave sugar, and if you eat too many sweets, you’ll create an environment where bacteria can grow—which can promote cavities.

If you’re interested in learning more about cavities, or about how you can treat them, please don’t hesitate to contact Letitia M. Williams, DDS, LLC at 334.738.3111. Dr. Letitia M. Williams and our team will be happy to answer any questions you have. We look forward to hearing from you soon.